Completely Digital – Audi’s “Virtual Cockpit” Dashboard

by Chris Jagielski

It’s true that we’re in the digital age, but not everything has been advancing as quickly as we’d hoped. Luckily, the automotive world is catching up with its upgrades. One being the all-new digital dashboard.

There was news of Audi’s “Virtual Cockpit” last year, but it was not yet in production models. Starting in 2016, this dashboard will become a reality in the new TT, then later to the A4, Q7, R8, and A3.

It’s pretty self-explanatory. The gauges you currently see on your dash will become digital. Not only that, your GPS will also display in that location – less of a distraction for drivers. The key is to have all the important information in front of the driver’s eyes so they still have peripheral vision of the road.

It’s nice the see the increase in updated car tech in the last decade – we’re really coming a long way. But advancement in technology doesn’t always come without consequence. Enter, hackers.

As you’ve probably heard, the FCA recalled over one million Jeeps due to the hack of the infotainment system of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Believe me, this is just the beginning. More computers equals more problems. An increase in hacking is likely, but I personally believe the automotive world has this under control.

As long as manufacturers provide consumers with stronger firewalls there shouldn’t be an issue. I’m also glad Chrysler added the software update to its UConnect webpage so I was able to personally install it in my Jeep instead of wasting my time at the dealer. Kudos to you, Chrysler!

I’m sure people will attempt to hack the new Audis with this upgraded technology, but I firmly believe Audi has a strong wall protecting its vehicles so there shouldn’t be a problem. Although I do have an issue with the digital dash – lag. Computers lag, or “slow down,” constantly and it can be troublesome. You know what I’m talking about. You’re an exit or two away from where you’re supposed to get off the highway but then your GPS freezes for a second – total insanity.

You miss the exit and the GPS finally kicks back in, but it’s too late. Time to make a u-turn. This can happen to gauges if they are all digital. Nonetheless it is still pretty awesome.